General risk and workplace management applies to every business or undertaking.
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) specifies obligations about the work environment and welfare facilities including:
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU – the new term that includes employers) has the primary duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons at a workplace are not exposed to health and safety risks.
There may be some workplaces with multiple PCBUs doing similar or related activities. Each PCBU has a duty of care to ensure effective consultation, cooperation and coordination on safety matters with other PCBUs. For example, a PCBU may not have to provide welfare facilities if another PCBU has provided them at a workplace. However, the PCBU must ensure that the facilities are available, accessible and adequate.
A benefit in consulting, sharing information and giving workers reasonable opportunity to express their views and contribute towards decision making on health and safety matters is that it can assist a PCBU in meeting their health and safety obligations.
The code of practice Managing the work environment and facilities provides more information on the work environment and welfare facilities.
In addition to general risk and workplace management, there are specific risk control measures required for certain industries and activities including hazardous chemicals, plant, and construction.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about general risk and workplace management.